Jump to topic
Tylenol with codeine #3, more commonly known as Tylenol 3, is an acetaminophen-based drug used to treat severe or moderate pain. Tylenol 3 contains 300mg of acetaminophen and 30mg of codeine per tablet.
COVID-19 Doesn’t Have to Stop You From Getting Help
Rehab facilities are open and accepting new patients
Acetaminophen is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic used in regular strength Tylenol and similar generic name pain relievers. Codeine, however, is an opioid narcotic analgesic and antitussive. The addition of codeine to the acetaminophen base makes Tylenol 3 a schedule III controlled substance.
A prescription is needed to obtain brand name Tylenol #3 with codeine and generic equivalents.
Due to the properties of codeine, Tylenol 3 is considered a narcotic substance. Unlike acetaminophen, which is a non-opiate analgesic, codeine is an opioid pain reliever. It works by acting on receptors in the brain. This changes how the body processes and reacts to pain.
Though it is often successful in treating pain, using Tylenol 3 can lead to addiction, much like other opioids. Stopping this medication may also cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those from narcotic substances such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.
While some people still mistakenly refer to all drugs as “narcotics,” the current term “narcotic” solely refers to opium derivatives and their semi-synthetic substitutes. The confusion between the terms arguably comes from the origin of the word “narcotic,” which comes from the Greek word for “stupor,” and was initially used to describe all substances that dampened senses and acted as pain relievers.
Tylenol 3 is not available as an over-the-counter pain medication. It is only available as a prescription drug across the United States and in most areas of the world.
Tylenol 3 carries similar risks of side effects and allergic reactions as other opioid pain relievers, especially in high doses. Possible common side effects of taking this medication include:
When used correctly and under the medical advice of a healthcare provider, Tylenol 3 can be an effective option for reducing mild to moderately severe pain. However, in addition to the risks of taking this medication alone, there are dangers that come with drug interactions.
Taking Tylenol 3 with any of the following medications is not recommended:
Taking Tylenol 3 is also not recommended while consuming these substances:
Additionally, patients with the following conditions should use Tylenol 3 with caution as they have an increased risk of experiencing more serious side effects:
Patients with kidney disease or liver disease should also use Tylenol 3 with extra caution as the effects may be increased due to slower metabolic processing of the medication.
Find Help For Your Addiction
You don’t have to overcome your addiction alone. Professional guidance and support is available. Begin a life of recovery by reaching out to a specialist today.
CALL NOW
National Institute of Health. “Acetaminophen and Codeine.” NIH https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601005.html
United States Drug Enforcement Administration. “Narcotics (Opioids).” DEA https://www.dea.gov/taxonomy/term/331
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Drug Interactions: Understanding the Risk.” FDA https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/drug-interactions-understanding-risk
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Harmful Interactions.” NIAAA https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
This site complies with the
HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.